Adventurous Weekend Trips for Fall Foliage in the United States and Canada
The elusive, short-lived beauty of fall foliage is almost upon us. This year, why not plan an adventure-packed weekend getaway to celebrate this most flighty of seasons?
Here are some of our favorite places to catch the show in the United States and Canada.
Northeast United States
The White Mountains burst with color from the last week of September through the second week of October. From Boston, it's a quick three-hour drive to the heart of the mountains, making it an easy jaunt for much of the eastern seaboard. Camp at one of the many campgrounds, take a drive down the Kancamagus Highway, and make your way to Pinkham Notch for hiking, climbing, and waterfall chasing.
Southeast United States
From mid- to late-October the colors peak along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head to either Shenandoah National Park or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and fill your weekend with hiking, scenic drives, and early mornings watching the mist rise and swirl through the colorful peaks.
Midwest United States
Just 30 minutes from Milwaukee lies Lapham Peak, a perfect viewpoint to take in the brilliant midwestern colors. Make it a weekend of adventure by catching a sunrise at Sheridan Park, hiking the Seven Bridges Trail, and touring Lakefront Brewery.
Western United States
The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon and Washington is stunning enough as it is...add in fall color, and phew. It'll knock your socks off.
Base yourself in Hood River, Oregon for a weekend of hiking, camping, waterfalls, and watching windsurfers and kiteboarders ply the waters. Hood River is also the local epicenter of great food, with restaurants like pFreim Family Brewers, Solstice Wood Fire Pizza, and Kin.
Quebec, Canada
Head to the bustling, historic city of Montréal for a weekend of urban adventures this fall. The four-mile roundtrip hike up Mont-Royal, which starts on the McGill University campus, will give you a bird's eye view of the city and the colorful trees that surround it. Hop in a canoe or kayak at Iles de Boucherville to paddle through the changing forests...the foliage around here peaks in mid-October.
Atlantic Canada
The Bay of Fundy has some of the most powerful tides in the world, and a weekend trip along this remote coast is perfect for anyone with an adventurous soul. While you're in the area, scoot a little bit up the road to check out the dramatic coastal landscape at Hopewell Rocks.
Ontario, Canada
Tucked away in eastern Ontario is the hidden gem of Rock Dunder. Open seasonally (from May 15 to November 15, sunrise to sunset only), this out-of-the-way spot is a gold mine of autumn views. Spend the weekend in nearby Kingston and hang out on the waterfront, take a sightseeing cruise, and tour historic Fort Henry.
Western Canada
Think only deciduous trees turn colors in the fall? Think again. Larch is a conifer whose needles turn brilliant yellow in autumn before falling off and re-growing the following spring. They make for a stunning display...and there's no better backdrop to witness the spectacle than around the mountain town of Banff.
You could spend a weekend in Banff, but you'll probably be happier with a week. Or two.
Northern Canada
Fall is short but sweet in the Yukon, and the small village of Haines Junction lies right in the thick of some of the best foliage viewing in the region. Take a day trip to Destruction Bay to hike the King's Throne Trail, or stick closer to town and make smaller forays into the rugged landscape. Just be sure to plan your timing right...the trees start to change in early September when you're this far north.
Cover photo by Tara Stamnes
